Film Analysis Essay on Gangs of New York

Introduction

"Gangs of New York" is an epic film directed by Martin Scorsese, set within the 19th century inspired by a non-fiction book by Herbert Asbury "The Gangs of New York." The movie began in 1846 which signals a period within which the Great Famine of Ireland occurred that resulted in mass starvation along with diseases that pushed immigration from Ireland to New York. As the film depicts, the Irish immigrants arrive in the neighborhood "five points" where they settle, a slum location where the immigrants would rule and overpopulated for the following two decades. It depicts how the Irish immigrants were treated upon arrival in the United States; along with other challenges that the people faced as they sought refuge. It is evident that the Dutch and English native in New York (Five Points) were not pleased with the idea of newcomers.

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On the other hand, we see Bill the Butcher taking the case into other extreme levels as he leads a local invasion against the Irish immigrants. Within different extents and comparisons regarding the film, the butcher (Bill) does the unthinkable by killing the leader of the Irish immigrants (Priest Valon), and Amsterdam (the son of the priest) runs away. The Irish immigrants were unfairly treated specially by the eruption of the "gangs of New York"; however, after years, Amsterdam reappears with the aim to seek revenge for the murder of his father by Bill. The topic relating to Irish immigration is among the stories requiring more investigation. For instance, the film "Gangs of New York" follow an adventure concerning the history in the time of immigration. These are among the impressive aspects in American history especially with the occurrence of current events.

The topic relating to the actions of religion in "Gangs of New York" is an occurrence of historical significance. The events of religious conflicts begin with the beginning of the gangs of New York as Priest Valon (Catholic Irish Immigrant) sets a mission to battle the protestants already residing in New York. According to events portrayed within the film, the Irish immigrants participated in the war since they had no interest and did not want the Protestant missions and teachings in New York. However, although the film basis on Amsterdam perception after his father is slain, he majorly talks of the discrimination of the Irish immigrants especially in (Five Points).

Nonetheless, as the topic expands on more details regarding the approval of Protestant mission activities, the gangs of New York deliver a significant war as anti-Catholicism that the Irish Immigrants were trying to impose to the people in New York. The topic regarding the battle between Protestants and Catholic is among the essential portions of the American history that have delivered a significant effect to the present.

As the film ends, Amsterdam says that everything in his era been forgotten, like we was not there," and the concluding scene reveals a series of overlapping images that transform New York into a twentieth-century city. What is the sociological significant of this ending?

Conclusion

The concluding scenes deliver a major sociological significance in the present day activities along with events of the 20th century. Regardless of the films ability to portray different incidences in history, it sets a significant ground on the significance of the past. As the film settles majorly on a person that seeks revenge for the killing of the father, it delivers other outcomes. Amsterdam can see the bigger picture as there are other individuals with a higher ambition of making New York a better place. The final scenes insinuate Amsterdam's ability to understand the changing times especially through the building of the modern Manhattan as well as prior events that occurred (Panelli, 2015, 15).

Works Cited

Panelli, Annalisa. "Gangs of New York." Journal of Religion & Film 7.1 (2016): 15.